Want the best instant pot beef stew recipe? Follow our step-by-step guide for the perfect cooking tips using Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus.
If you’re looking for the best instant pot beef stew recipe, look no further.
We’ve all been there. Some days, we have a hunger only comfort food can satisfy and, thanks to the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus, a juicy bowl can be served up on your very own table in just half an hour (well, 32 minutes).
This instant pot is pretty much an electronic chef capable of cooking up a storm for you and your family. Once you’re done with the initial stages, you can sit back and relax, knowing your heavenly beef stew is being cooked to absolute perfection.
Table of Contents
Instant Pot Beef Stew Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 32 minutes
- Rest time: 10 minutes
Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe (4 servings)
- x1 tablespoon olive oil
- x2 pounds stewing steak (chuck or brisket)
- x2 cups roughly chopped carrot
- x2 cups roughly chopped onion
- x3 roughly chopped garlic cloves
- x1 cup red wine
- x1 large cup beef stock
- x1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
x1 heaped tablespoon plain flour
- x2 cups white mushrooms
- x2 cups diced Yukon potato
Instant Pot Beef Stew Instructions
- Pre-heat on sautee setting
- Brown stewing steak
- Add vegetables and herbs
- Add alcohol (optional)
- Add stock
- Select pressure cooker setting
- Leave for 32 minutes
- Let rest in instant pot for 10 minutes
- Serve
How To Cook Instant Pot Beef Stew
There are just a few small, easy to follow steps to have your instant pot singing with soul pleasing stewy goodness. Put in the love and attention at the start and watch your machine do its thing.
Instant Pot Beef Stew Step By Step Guide
- Pre-heat your instant pot on sautee setting
- Brown your stewing steak in olive oil
- Add onions, carrots, garlic, and herbs
- Add potatoes (optional)
- Add alcohol (optional)
- Pour in your stock
- Pressure cook for 32 minutes
- Turn off instant pot and let rest for 10 minutes
- Serve up and hear the compliments roll in.
Instant Pot Beef Stew: Cooking tips
What Setting Do I Use In Instant Pot Beef Stew?
If you’re in a rush, the pressure cook setting is the way to go and will have your stew ready in a timely 32 minutes. Alternatively, you can select the slow cook setting and leave for between 4-6 hours, but the difference isn’t huge.
Make sure to turn to the ‘Keep Warm’ setting after cooking for 10 minutes to ensure your stew has the desired tender texture.
Should I Brown My Beef Before Cooking Instant Pot Beef Stew?
Definitely.
Luckily, this product comes with a sautee setting with its stainless steel inner lining perfect for locking in the flavor. The fond (basically, the caramelized bits on the bottom of your cooking surface) is a foodie’s best friend and this instant pot retains those juices time and time again.
So, select the sautee setting and get to work adding some color to your beef. For best results, coat your stewing steak (we’d recommend chuck) in plain flour first so your dish ends up as hearty as can be.
Can I Overcook Beef Stew In An Instant Pot?
Technically, yes.
If you leave the pressure cooker setting on too long, you do run the risk of turning your ingredients to mush and even burning if they are chopped too small.
Should you go the slow cooking route, it’s really, really hard to do overcook the stew providing you’re within touching distance of the instant within, oh, nine hours of cooking it.
What Size Should I Cut The Meat Into When Cooking Instant Pot Beef Stew?
There isn’t really a scientific answer to how big the chunks of meat need to be but a rough aim for a centimeter thick should do the job perfectly.
You don’t want them big enough so they overcrowd the surface when sauteeing (again, that’ll give you boiled beef) but a good beef stew is strewn with tender slabs of beef thick enough to enjoy properly.
What Vegetables Go In Instant Pot Pro Duo Evo Plus Stew?
You’re the artist here and the instant pot is your brush.
Load it up with anything you like. Got some spare turnips in the pantry? Sure, chuck them in. Happen to be a huge fan of fiery fresh horseradish? Don’t be afraid to add.
The most traditional vegetables will be your root ones. Carrots and onions are the usual suspects but anything can be used, from turnips to fresh turmeric.
How Long Do I Cook Vegetables For In Instant Pot Beef Stew?
What you’re looking for here is texture. The vegetables (including those fragrant fragments of roughly chopped cloves of garlic) need to be just thinner than your beef so they do not burn or disintegrate in the cooking process.
Best Alcohol To Use In Instant Pot Beef Stew?
Obviously, you don’t have to use any alcohol in the recipe but, come on, we all deserve it after 2020!
Red wine (don’t bother using a good bottle, there’s really no need) or a light stout beer make for the perfect match though. Pour it in while your vegetables are sweating down so the raw alcohol is burnt off, reducing down by half intensifying the flavor.
What Stock Goes In The Beef Stew?
It depends on how rich you want it. Chicken stock may be more palatable for children and fussy eaters but, if you’re really chasing that velvety decadence, then beef stock is the way to go.
Buy the best quality stock you can afford, unless you’re making your own but, seriously, who has time for that?
How Long Do I Cook Beef Stew In An Instant Pot?
After browning and all your vegetables and liquids have been handed, turn your instant pot to its pressure cooker setting for 32 minutes and let the machine do the work for you.
Let’s face it, you’re going to want to open that lid. You’d have to be made of stone not to be tempted but, don’t forget, all of that aroma you’d be letting out are part of the dish. Keep it in there!
The Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus will do its job in keeping it all locked away. It’s up to you to do yours too!
Best Resting Time For Instant Pot Beef Stew
Switching the pressure cook setting off after 32 minutes and simply leaving the stew to rest in the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus for 10 minutes will give you the best results.
The residual heat of the inner lining will make sure your dish remains hot while also allowing the juices in the meat to relax and spread across the cut, rather than pooling in the middle.
If you don’t take this step, your beef will be tougher.
Can I Skip The Resting Step Of Resting Beef Stew In The Instant Pot?
Well, yes you can but why on earth would you want to?
Hold on for another 10 minutes and let the meat release its juices. Trust us, it’s worth it. Keep stronger eater, patience really is a virtue.
Best side dishes for beef stew
For the best results, a beef stew is poured over lovely buttery mashed potatoes and with a side of fresh garden peas to bring some extra color to the dish.
Top with some mushrooms (you can always sautee those in the Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus first) and even some crispy bacon and you’ll be verging on the classic French dish, beef bourguignon.
That’s right, the Instant Pot Evo Duo is helping guide you into the high-class world of French cooking. It really does pay for itself.
Other side dish options include:
- Steamed green beans
- Baked potatoes
- Steamed rice
- Crusty bread
- Roasted cauliflower
- Instant pot dumplings
Instant Pot Beef Stew: Pro Cooking Tips
- Coat beef in flour
- Switch on Instant Pot Pro Evo Duo Plus 2 minutes before cooking
- Make sure beef is nicely browned
- Don’t chop vegetables too small
- Ensure all raw alcohol is burned off (if using)
- Make sure to leave to rest for 10 minutes
Instant Pot Beef Stew: Final Thoughts
By following the guide above, you and your household are in for a bowl of absolute joy.
The great thing about the Instant Pot Duo Evo is how it retains all that flavor you’ve been working towards. By collecting the caramelized bits of beef in Step 1 and then shielding all the smells inside its inner cookware when you hit Step 6, your stew will be packed full of delicious delight.
Follow the easy step-by-step recipe guide above and you’ll be thanking us later. 32 minutes plus a bit of prep time isn’t exactly a big price to pay
The Below Video Shows a shorter way for the Instant Pot Beef Stew cooking
Happy eating!